It was definitely intimidating walking into the yoga place having no yoga experience. I walk into everyone stripping down in the foyer and putting their things in cubbies. Of course, everyone looked VERY experienced and fit but not necessarily skinny. I found the women with extremely muscular (like Madonna not like a body builder) arms wearing shirts that said "Yoga Girl" and the people attempting hand stands before class even started to be particularly intimidating. The absolute worst part was walking into the studio and figuring out where to put your mat. Very much a high school cafeteria type experience where you are just looking for a spot and hoping who ever you end up next to doesn't mind.
Have I mentioned that I have a slight coordination issue/problem? Moving my hands and feet at the same time while listening to directions is SO hard for me. Its much easier for me to just watch, copy and kind of just tune out all those fancy yoga pose words. Luckily I was behind people that knew what they were doing. The instructor in the first class walked around but the class was very crowded so she did not give much individual instruction. She did ask if anyone was new to yoga at the beginning of class. I raised my hand and she actually made me clarify whether I was new to yoga or just hot yoga. I played it off like it was just the hot part because I was totally on the spot! Still nervous that I'd get kicked out since I'm not an experienced yoga girl. The class itself was fantastic! The lights are dim and relaxing. Everyone is sweating like crazy but you don't notice since you can't see it. I didn't notice a sweat stink at all. The second class went even better because it was less crowded. The customers and instructor were a little more friendly in this class. The instructor would help people with their poses and I liked her music a lot more.
Leaving the class, I felt very relaxed and energized. Someone said you'd feel like you just had a massage and I would not agree, maybe like leaving the chiropractor. It's definitely energizing and a lot more meditative than any other exercise I've ever done including that handful of regular yoga class I've taken. Can't wait to go back!
